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Ch. Matthew 18:1-4. A Lesson in Humility. The Kingdom of Heaven and Little Children

Mark 9:33-37; Luke 9:46-48.

1. At the same time] “in that hour.” The preceding incident and our Lord’s words had again excited hopes of a glorious kingdom on earth.

greatest] Literally, greater (than others).

2. set him in the midst of them] St Mark adds, “when He had taken him in His arms.”

3. be converted] Literally, be turned. The Greek word is used in a literal sense, except here and Acts 7:39; Acts 7:42.

shall not enter] much less be great therein.

4. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself] He who shall be most Christ-like in humility (see Php 2:7-9) shall be most like Christ in glory.

5, 6. Christ’s Little Ones. Mark 9:37The thought of Jesus passes from the dispute among His disciples to the care of His little ones, the young in faith, who, if they have the weakness, have also the humility of little children.

whoso shall receive] It is a sacrament of lovingkindness when Christ Himself is received in the visible form of His little ones. To receive is to welcome, shew kindness to.

a millstone] Literally, a millstone turned by an ass, and so larger than the ordinary millstone. Cp. Ovid (Fasti vi. 318): “Et quæ pumiceas versat asella molas.”

The manner of death alluded to appears to have been unknown to the Jews. But Plutarch mentions this punishment as being common to Greece and Rome. Cp. Juv. Sat. xiv. 16, 17, where, as in other places, it is named rather than the cross as a swift and terrible penalty for crime.

7–9. Of Offences. Mark 9:43-48From offences—hindrances to the faith of Christ’s little ones—the discourse proceeds to offences in general—every thing that hinders the spiritual life.

8, 9. Cp. note ch. Matthew 5:29-30.

10–14. Christ’s care for His Little Ones illustrated by a Parable. Luke 15:3-7After a brief digression (Matthew 18:7-9), Christ’s love for His young disciples again breaks out in words. Let no one despise them. They have unseen friends in the court of heaven, who are ever in the presence of the King himself. There, at any rate, they are not despised. It was for them especially that the Son of Man came to earth.